Khon Kaen University, Fumika Tamura (6th year, Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, at the time)

I completed a five-week practicum at Khon Kaen University in Thailand. I applied for the overseas advanced practicum because I wanted to learn about the differences between the medical care in Japan and other countries by experiencing a foreign medical setting. I chose Khon Kaen University in particular because it offered a practicum specializing in cancer, a topic I couldn't study during my standard practical training, and I felt it would allow me to gain international knowledge.

During the practicum, for the first four weeks, I mainly trained in the oncology ward and also participated in classes with local students. In the fifth week, I observed various departments within the hospital, including the Department of Pharmacy, TDM (Therapeutic Drug Monitoring), and the palliative care ward. Additionally, I experienced traditional Thai medicine at Khon Kaen Hospital and learned about the role of community pharmacies at the affiliated pharmacy.

In the oncology ward where I trained, multiple pharmacists were always present, and many discussions and journal clubs were held. In Thailand, since technicians handle dispensing, pharmacists have more opportunities to communicate with patients and other professionals compared to Japan, and they specialize in managing drug therapy. Through this practicum, I was able to gain deeper, international knowledge of pharmacotherapy.

I also learned about the differences between the medical systems in Japan and Thailand. Unlike in Japan, where all citizens can receive the same medical care, the drugs available to patients in Thailand differ depending on the type of health insurance they have. Consequently, I saw many cases where first-line drugs could not be used due to insurance limitations, which made me appreciate the Japanese system anew. On the other hand, I was surprised by the significant role of pharmacies in Thailand; they have a system to provide common medicines for 30 baht to patients with public health insurance, and they also offer simple tests and vaccinations.

After classes and on days off, I enjoyed meals and sightseeing with students and faculty from Khon Kaen University, as well as the pharmacists from the oncology ward. The people in Thailand were very kind and gave me a warm welcome. Although we communicated in our respective second languages, I was able to spend every day enjoyably and comfortably. I cannot express enough gratitude for this valuable practicum opportunity and for meeting such wonderful people in Thailand.

I truly hope that many people will take on the challenge of a practicum at Khon Kaen University!